3.57 Ct. Green (Lime Green) Peridot from Tanzania

This 3.57 carat, pear shape peridot from Tanzania presents a technically disciplined combination of weight, proportions, and finish that appeals to the knowledgeable buyer. The stone measures 9.98 by 9.67 by 6.68 millimeters, yielding a length to width ratio of approximately 1.03 and a depth of roughly 68 percent, a proportioning that produces a compact pear profile with full-bodied color across the table. Cut as a mixed brilliant, the faceting layout pairs a brilliant-faceted crown with a complementary pavilion scheme calibrated to peridot's optical constants, producing balanced scintillation and controlled light leakage. Clarity is graded slightly included at eye level, meaning the inclusions are present but do not materially obstruct light transmission or distract from overall transparency when set, and the excellent polish produces crisp facet junctions and high surface luster. Color is vivid lime green with strong saturation and consistent tone across the stone, the no-enhancement statement confirming the color is wholly natural, and the Tanzanian origin aligns with known deposits that yield high chroma peridot material.

From an optical physics perspective, peridot occupies an intermediate position among better known gemstones, and this piece demonstrates that position advantageously. Peridot's refractive index range near 1.65 to 1.69 and birefringence around 0.036 to 0.039 give it a different visual behavior than higher index stones such as sapphire or diamond. Compared with diamond, whose refractive index of 2.417 and dispersion near 0.044 produce pronounced fire and brilliance, peridot will never exhibit the same level of spectral dispersion, nonetheless this peridot compensates with saturated body color and lively facet contrast. Versus corundum, with a refractive index in the 1.76 range, peridot returns slightly less overall brilliance, however the mixed brilliant faceting has been tuned to peridot's optical response so that facet junctions align to produce strong scintillation rather than washout. When compared to emerald, whose refractive index typically sits lower near the mid 1.5s and whose stones frequently suffer heavy internal features, this peridot benefits from both higher relative refractivity and cleaner apparent clarity, resulting in a brighter, more transparently luminous presentation in jewellery. Additionally, peridot is doubly refractive, so the cutter has managed birefringent doubling by selecting pavilion angles and table size that minimize distracting optical doubling while maintaining lively internal reflections.

The cut and finish decisions made on this gem emphasize color saturation and controlled return of light, which is particularly important for peridot where chroma is a primary attribute of value. The mixed brilliant strategy used here concentrates smaller, precisely formed crown facets to fragment and animate light entering from above, while the pavilion faceting is executed to promote internal flash rather than excessive depth loss, an approach that preserves the vivid lime hue and maximizes apparent brightness from face up viewing. The near-equidimensional pear shape minimizes color zoning and presents an even field of color to the observer, while the depth at 6.68 millimeters keeps the stone within an optimal optical window for this material, avoiding the dulling effect of overly deep cuts. The slightly included clarity grade is consistent with natural peridot habit, inclusions in this specimen are internal and do not form surface-reaching cracks, which, combined with the excellent polish, ensures durability for typical jewelry use provided appropriate protective setting choices are made.

In summary, this 3.57 carat Tanzanian peridot is a technically refined specimen that stands out for its vivid lime saturation, carefully executed mixed brilliant faceting, and high quality finish, attributes that together produce a lively, color-forward brilliance distinct from more common gemstones. Its optical personality differs from diamond and corundum in that it relies less on spectral fire and more on saturated bodycolor and facet contrast to create visual impact, and it often presents more consistent transparency and cleaner appearance than similarly priced emerald material. For those seeking a green gem with natural, untreated color and a faceting strategy that maximizes both scintillation and color fidelity, this peridot is an exceptional candidate, and is offered with full provenance and inspection by The Natural Gemstone Company. Please contact us for additional measurements, facet diagrams, or to discuss mounting options that will best preserve and display this gem in finished jewellery.